I saw this question on Quora and decided to provide a response encompassing some tips I use. I will elaborate on some of these in future posts.
Bottom line – automate what you can in life. You have a finite amount of energy every day; don’t waste it on making frivolous decisions. For example:
- Make Your Bed Every Morning: “If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished your first task of the day. It will give a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another…”
- Have the Same Healthy Breakfast Every Morning: I blend frozen berries, whey protein, half a banana, frozen kale that’s been steamed, ice, and water. I have this every day. Trust me, you’ll feel like Popeye afterwards.
- Decide What Your Wearing for the Week Sunday Night: How often do you stare in your closet and think about what you’re going to wear to work? I thought so. Pick out the outfits in advance and that’s one less thing to think about. From a Michael Lewis piece on President Obama – “You also need to remove from your life the day-to-day problems that absorb most people for meaningful parts of their day. “You’ll see I wear only gray or blue suits,” he said. “I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.”
- Pay Your Bills Using Auto-pay: How often do you dispute your power or water bill? Not too often, huh? BUT also set a monthly calendar reminder to review your statements to ensure everything is accurate.
- Repeat the Same 5 Workouts: Create five workouts and repeat them over and over again for six months. The key is to WRITE down your progress so you can track your progress. Switch it every six months. Consult a trainer or an experienced friend if you are confused on how to write a program.
Other Lifestyle Changes:
- Brief Exercise During Work: When I am mentally- stuck during an assignment, I find that brief exercise clears my head and allows me to continue. It doesn’t need to be strenuous and can be as little as taking a short walk; stretching for 5 minutes; shooting a few baskets; jumping rope for 5 minutes; etc..
- Mobilize Daily (not stretch): Becoming a Supple Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance. I bought this book after an injury. It’s a game changer. So much so that 60 Minutes recently followed the author around for a segment.
- Wear Minimalist Shoes
- Sleep in a Pitch Black Room
- Floss Daily
- Quit Soda (Diet too)